Date Milestones
Release Date
October 24, 2024
Review Date
Expiration Date
October 24, 2027
Course
Presented by
S.D. Shanti
D.D.S., M.P.H, Ph.D.
View Bio
Course Description
Dental Anxiety, Dental Fear, Dental Phobia
The aim of this course is to empower dental professionals with practical knowledge and skills to understand and support patients experiencing dental anxiety and fears (DFA). Research informs us that at least ten percent of the population experiences this phenomenon. In this course, we will cover patient management strategies to support patients so they can successfully receive needed care, and overcome avoidance – which can be detrimental to their oral and systemic health.
In addition to DFA, we will also look at the relationship between high rates of violence in the general population and address trauma informed care and universal practices in patient care to support all patients including those who may not disclose their DFA. We will also cover simple practice management and workflow strategies to improve the patient experience and enable the dental team to be at their best when serving patients with DFA.
The educational teaching methodology used in this course is a self-study lecture presented via pre-recorded webinar in concert with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation. Both the pre-recorded webinar and the PowerPoint presentation incorporate a variety of audio and visual cues to enhance audience members’ understanding and retention of key concepts.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course the participants should be able to:
- Understand the prevalence of DFA in adults and children and the pathways that can lead a patient to experience this.
- Understand the neurobiology of DFA and be able to help patients access their innate calming mechanisms drawing from their own inner physiology.
- Learn how to discuss pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy with patients in a collaborative manner, and support patients in making informed decisions in light of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
- Learn trauma informed communication methods that help build trust and enable fearful and anxious patients to more effectively cope with their dental appointments.
- Understand and implement key aspects of patient communication as a “behavioral tool” to support your patients with DFA so they can successfully cope with their dental appointments.
